Winona MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Winona, Minnesota.
1. Garvin Heights City Park
PANORAMIC MISSISSIPPI RIVER VIEWS
Garvin Heights City Park offers stunning panoramic views of Winona and the Mississippi River valley from an easily accessible lookout point. The viewpoint is particularly beautiful during fall when the changing colors create a breathtaking landscape. Visitors can enjoy the short walk from the parking lot or explore additional side trails that provide different perspectives of the surrounding bluffs.
2. Minnesota Marine Art Museum
WATER-INSPIRED ART COLLECTION
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum showcases engaging artwork inspired by water from various eras and artistic mediums. Built along the banks of the Mississippi River, this cultural gem provides visitors with both indoor artistic treasures and outdoor natural beauty. Guests can enjoy a picnic on the museum's riverwalk surrounded by a breathtaking prairie garden after exploring the exhibits.
3. Sugar Loaf Bluff
ICONIC LIMESTONE FORMATION
Sugar Loaf Bluff is an iconic rock formation towering approximately 500 feet above Winona, offering sprawling views of the river valley. This historic limestone formation, which provided building materials for much of Winona 150 years ago, is now a popular recreational destination. Visitors can access the summit via hiking and climbing routes that lead to panoramic vistas making the challenging ascent worthwhile.
4. Lake Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR RECREATION
Lake Park serves as one of Winona's premier family-friendly recreational areas with a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy the aquatic center, skate park, and numerous other amenities designed for all ages. The park exemplifies why Winona is sometimes called the 'Miami of Minnesota' with its abundance of fun available for everyone in the family.
5. Bloedow's Bakery
LEGENDARY MINNESOTA DONUTS
Bloedow's Bakery, a Winona institution since 1924, is famous for its delicious donuts that earned it the title of Minnesota's best donut shop in 2012. This historic establishment continues to attract locals and visitors alike with its time-tested recipes and warm, nostalgic atmosphere. Visitors should note that this beloved bakery is closed on Sundays and plan their sweet tooth cravings accordingly.
6. Great River Bluffs State Park
SCENIC MISSISSIPPI VALLEY WILDERNESS
Great River Bluffs State Park provides visitors with extraordinary views of the Mississippi River valley and diverse natural habitats. Hiking trails wind through hardwood forests, native prairie remnants, and along dramatic bluff edges offering breathtaking vistas. Nature enthusiasts can observe abundant wildlife and unique plant communities that thrive in this protected wilderness area.
7. U.S. Highway 61 Scenic Drive
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI RIVER ROAD
U.S. Highway 61 offers a spectacular scenic drive along the Mississippi River with stunning views of bluffs, waterways, and historic towns. This historic route, immortalized in music and literature, provides travelers with a quintessential Midwest river valley experience. Numerous pullouts and overlooks allow drivers to safely stop and appreciate the natural beauty that has inspired generations of artists and adventurers.
8. Watkins Heritage Museum & Store
HISTORIC AMERICAN PRODUCT LEGACY
The Watkins Heritage Museum showcases the fascinating history of the J.R. Watkins Company, a pioneering American manufacturer of natural products. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the company's evolution from its 1868 founding to its present-day operations. The adjoining store offers the opportunity to purchase Watkins' famous spices, extracts, and natural home products that have been household staples for generations.
9. Winona Ice Fest
PREMIER ICE CLIMBING EVENT
Winona Ice Fest transforms the steep bluffs of the Mississippi River valley into the second-biggest ice park in the country during Minnesota's winter months. This annual festival features approximately 100 climbing routes suitable for both beginner and expert climbers alike. Attendees can enjoy live music, local programming, guided climbs, vendors, and more in this unique celebration of winter adventure.
10. Glorious Glass Tour
STAINED GLASS ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
The Glorious Glass Tour highlights Winona's extraordinary collection of historic stained glass that earned the city its reputation as "the stained-glass capital of America". This self-guided experience showcases numerous historic buildings, churches, and neighborhoods featuring remarkable glass artistry. Visitors can download the adventure app eAtlas to access a digital map and fully appreciate these architectural treasures in person.
11. Mississippi Lock and Dam 5A
RIVER NAVIGATION ENGINEERING
The Mississippi Lock and Dam 5A represents an impressive feat of engineering that helps maintain the navigability of America's greatest river. Visitors can observe the fascinating process as barges and boats navigate through this crucial piece of river infrastructure. The site offers educational opportunities about the Mississippi's role in transportation, commerce, and the environmental history of the region.
12. Winona County History Center
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Winona County History Center preserves and showcases the rich cultural heritage and fascinating stories of this historic Mississippi River community. Housed in the former Winona National Bank building, the center features rotating and permanent exhibits that illustrate the area's development from Native American settlements through European immigration and industrial growth. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring Winona's past vividly to life.
13. Pickwick Mill
HISTORIC FLOUR PRODUCTION
Pickwick Mill stands as one of the oldest water-powered gristmills in Southeast Minnesota, dating back to the 1850s. This six-story limestone structure represents the region's agricultural heritage and early industrial development. Visitors can explore the restored mill, view original equipment, and learn about the flour production process that helped feed Union soldiers during the Civil War.
14. Island City Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER RIVERSIDE EXPERIENCE
Island City Brewing Company offers visitors a taste of Winona's growing craft beer scene in a welcoming taproom environment. Their diverse selection of handcrafted beers often incorporates local ingredients and draws inspiration from the surrounding river valley landscape. Guests can enjoy regular events including live music, food trucks, and brewery tours that showcase the art and science of small-batch beer production.
15. Polish Cultural Institute & Museum
KASHUBIAN POLISH HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Polish Cultural Institute & Museum celebrates the rich Kashubian Polish heritage that helped shape Winona's cultural identity. Housed in a historic lumber yard office, the museum showcases traditional clothing, folk art, religious artifacts, and everyday items used by Polish immigrants. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the journey and contributions of Polish settlers who established a vibrant community in this Mississippi River town beginning in the 1850s.